Author of the Award winning book *Mabel Takes the Ferry,  Emily Chetkowski's first book was based on the real life adventure of her dog Mabel, who wandered onto the Islesboro Ferry one day when the family went sailing in Penobscot Bay, Maine from their island home.  They didn't know Mabel had followed them to the ferry landing, near where their boat, the "Off Call", was moored. When they returned they couldn't find Mabel anywhere on the island.

Well after dark, they got a phone call from someone on the mainland who knew where she was.  

This required an adventure to bring her home and Mabel got what she wanted all along....

Soon it was Mabel who took Emily on the most amazing journey of her life. into the world of children's books, school visits, workshops, and presentations. Emily & Mabel met tens of thousands of children and adults all over New England and beyond.

*Mabel Takes the Ferry was recognized as one of 27 children's books that best represent Maine Children's Literature. The book can be seen in granite amongst the others selected, as part of the granite sculpture at the Camden Maine Library, children's garden.  Mabel is there along with Emily's lifelong favorite book - Charlotte's Web,  and books by other Maine authors such as Louise Dickinson Rich, Barbara Cooney, Robert McCloskey,  Dahlov Ipcar, and Ethel Pochocki.

These notable Maine authors have entertained children for decades. 

At a large book signing event Emily was so excited to see Ethel Pochocki there as she had always wanted to meet her.  Well into her 80's, Ethel spoke first and told Emily she was so excited to meet her finally and to say how much she admired her classic old Maine writing style that was sadly disappearing.  She hoped that Emily would continue.  Emily was shocked and promised her that she would.  The two sat and talked for a very long time.